Andrew Sharp was a 25 a day man and like many smokers had tried all manner of things to kick the habit.

The 38-year-old from Cross Hills had stuck on the patches, chewed the gum and tried the tablets.

But a meeting with local hypnotherapist Gwyneth Moss has helped him to stay off the ciggies.

And as part of national No Smoking Day on March 13, Gwyneth is offering hypnotherapy sessions to five smokers wanting to quit.

All of the money she raises will be donated to Manorlands Sue Ryder Care hospice at Oxenhope.

Andrew, a detached youth worker in South Craven and advisor with the Craven Organisation for Drugs and Alcohol, says: "I have been smoking for 24 years and it got to the stage where I had come down from 30 a day because I realised it would have killed me.

"I had cut down to 25 a day and had tried everything to stop, but nothing had really come close.

"Gwyneth came to see us at work with a view to helping people with drug and alcohol problems, and we said we would like to try hynotherapy ourselves to see what's its like.

"To start off with I was fairly sceptical and wondered if it would work, but since my session I haven't had a cigarette.

"The first few days were fairly hard but since then I haven't really thought about it.

"Physically and mentally everything feels a lot better, and since I gave up five weeks ago I've saved around £175."

Gwyneth is a Skipton-based certified hynotherapist who also practices at Farfield House in Keighley.

She says: "This is a win, win, win situation because Manorlands receives money, I can help a client to try and stop smoking and I get the satisfaction of helping both out."

The hypnotherapy sessions can be booked by phoning Gwyneth Moss on 01756790199.

Smokers who pledge to quit on No Smoking Day and remain off cigarettes for four weeks can also win a host of prizes including $10,000 in an international draw, £5,000 for the UK finalist and a regional prize of £1,000.

Entrants from this area can also win a weekend for two at the Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel in Baildon, with the runner up receiving a week's use of the leisure facilities for two at the hotel.

Draw entrants must be over 18 and the closing date is March 15.

For more details contact smoking project worker Dianne Woodall on 01274223943.